Andy Murray expresses concern over the ATP-Saudi deal’s cash inflow drying up as it reaches the “grassroots” level

Andy Murray expresses his views on the new ATP-PIF multi-year brand deal.

Andy Murray expresses concern over the ATP-Saudi deal’s cash inflow drying up as it reaches the “grassroots” level

Andy Murray and ATP-PIF Deal (via IMAGO/X)

Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich country, has been taking large steps into the field of sports. Over the past few months, they have been a threat to tennis, as they signed Rafael Nadal as their brand ambassador, and also used their wealth to set up a tournament that offers the players more than what Grand Slams do. 

Lately, the ATP and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have announced a multi-year strategic partnership that will change the course of ATP in the future. With this commencement of the deal, the PIF becomes the official naming partner of the ATP rankings. 

YouTube video

Furthermore, they will also accompany the tour to various ATP tournaments including Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and more, as a sponsor with branding and activation opportunities. Former World No.1 Andy Murray was asked to share his opinion on this announcement, which came a few minutes after his horrific loss to Ugo Humbert. 

FS Video

Not having the complete information on this matter, the Brit expressed his concern over the deal affecting the lower levels of the game. With a lot of money involved in the brand deal, Murray hopes that it is not only coming to the top players of the game, and even reaches the lower ranks. 

Murray said during the post-match interview:

One of my concerns is actually more about the investment in lower levels of the game and the grassroots of the sport. I think that’s extremely important.
Andy Murray said
https://twitter.com/ReemAbulleil/status/1762854354455846972?t=zrz9dMSiRvurJLj9c0dm0w&s=19

Andy Murray looks on to the future of tennis as he hopes that the ATP-PIF fund helps the grassroots of tennis

Very often, the funds provided in tennis are usually given to the top-ranked players and tournaments, but the lower-ranked players or the grassroots of tennis do not get sufficient funds and recognition. 

ATP-PIF
ATP-PIF (via ATP)

Andy Murray also voiced his opinion on this matter as he hopes that the new ATP-PIF fund reaches the grassroots of tennis and there is an effort from the organizations to show their interest towards the grassroots. 

Murray added in the interview:

I hope that there’s a plan in place to help actually if this is what the sport is wanting to happen, there’s a plan in place for the grassroots of the sport down the Futures levels, the junior events, investing in that level to show there’s a real care for the sport and the future of the sport.
Andy Murray added

This relationship between ATP and PIF aims to elevate the long-term future of tennis, as the PIF is ready to actively contribute to any of the ATP’s plans. With this new start, one is sure to see more of Saudi Arabia in the sport. 

In Case You Missed It: